Why a Greenville rescue paused new black cat adoptions before Halloween

A seasonal superstition is changing how one North Carolina rescue handles adoptions. In Greenville, Feline Freedom Society has temporarily stopped approving new applications for black cats as Halloween approaches.

The change began Sunday and is set to last through November 1. During that period, the rescue said it will not approve new adoption applications for black cats. Any applications that come in during the pause will be reviewed after it is lifted.

The rescue said the decision was driven by concerns that black cats can be linked to bad luck beliefs, Halloween imagery and other stereotypes during the spooky season. Board member Allison Schaefer said the group is taking the step to help ensure that no one adopts a cat with malicious intent.

The pause is not a full stop on every black cat adoption. Feline Freedom Society said it will still consider placements during this period for people who were previously approved, along with trusted friends or family members.

For potential adopters, the rule change is limited to black cats. Adoptions for cats and kittens of all other colors will continue as usual.

The move comes as Halloween nears, when some rescues choose to pause black cat adoptions because of concerns tied to seasonal superstitions and stereotypes. In Greenville, that means anyone seeking to adopt a black cat through Feline Freedom Society may need to wait until after November 1 unless they already fall into one of the exceptions the rescue listed.